NPC on global potato trade barriers

The National Potato Council (NPC) in the US recently filed public comments that identified trade impediments impacting the potato industry in export markets around the world. The comments come in response to a request from the Office of the Trade Representative.

In the 2019 National Trade Estimate of Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE) comments, NPC identified a wide variety of foreign trade barriers that are designed to restrict export of U.S. potato products. Among other impediments, NPC identified import permits in Myanmar, the “Ministerial Exemption” process in Canada, unscientific phytosanitary determinations in Mexico and high tariffs in several Pacific Rim countries.

“This annual request for advice from industry by USTR is very productive. The data and issues generated via the ‘NTE’ process are used to focus our trade negotiators’ efforts throughout the year,” said John Keeling, NPC CEO.